Setting Up the Synthetic Division Box

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 23 views

Introduction

Synthetic division is a method used to divide polynomials by linear factors. It is a shortcut to the long division method and is often used in algebra and calculus. In this article, we will explore how to use synthetic division to divide the polynomial x cubed plus 4 x squared plus x minus 6 by x minus 2.

What is Synthetic Division?

Synthetic division is a method of dividing a polynomial by a linear factor of the form (x - a). It involves setting up a table with the coefficients of the polynomial and the value of a, and then performing a series of calculations to find the quotient and remainder.

Setting Up the Synthetic Division Box

To set up the synthetic division box, we need to write the coefficients of the polynomial in a row, with the constant term on the far right. We also need to write the value of a, which is the value that we are dividing by, on the left side of the box.

The Correct Setup Box

When dividing the polynomial x cubed plus 4 x squared plus x minus 6 by x minus 2, we need to use the following setup box:

1	4	1	-6
-2

Why This Setup Box?

This setup box is correct because the polynomial x cubed plus 4 x squared plus x minus 6 has a leading coefficient of 1, and the linear factor x minus 2 has a value of -2. The coefficients of the polynomial are written in a row, with the constant term on the far right, and the value of a is written on the left side of the box.

Alternative Setup Boxes

The other setup boxes listed in the options are not correct because they do not have the correct coefficients or value of a.

Option A is incorrect because it has a dash instead of the value of a.
Option B is incorrect because it has the value of a on the right side of the box instead of the left side.
Option C is incorrect because it has the coefficients of the polynomial in a column instead of a row.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct setup box for dividing the polynomial x cubed plus 4 x squared plus x minus 6 by x minus 2 using synthetic division is:

1	4	1	-6
-2

This setup box is correct because it has the correct coefficients and value of a. By using this setup box, we can perform the synthetic division and find the quotient and remainder.

Step-by-Step Guide to Synthetic Division

Here is a step-by-step guide to performing synthetic division:

Write the coefficients of the polynomial in a row: Write the coefficients of the polynomial in a row, with the constant term on the far right.
Write the value of a on the left side of the box: Write the value of a on the left side of the box.
Bring down the first coefficient: Bring down the first coefficient of the polynomial.
Multiply the value of a by the first coefficient: Multiply the value of a by the first coefficient and write the result below the second coefficient.
Add the second coefficient and the result: Add the second coefficient and the result from step 4.
Repeat steps 4 and 5: Repeat steps 4 and 5 for each coefficient of the polynomial.
The final result is the quotient and remainder: The final result is the quotient and remainder.

Example

Let's use the polynomial x cubed plus 4 x squared plus x minus 6 and the linear factor x minus 2 to perform synthetic division.

1	4	1	-6
-2

Write the coefficients of the polynomial in a row: Write the coefficients of the polynomial in a row, with the constant term on the far right.
Write the value of a on the left side of the box: Write the value of a on the left side of the box.
Bring down the first coefficient: Bring down the first coefficient of the polynomial.
Multiply the value of a by the first coefficient: Multiply the value of a by the first coefficient and write the result below the second coefficient.
Add the second coefficient and the result: Add the second coefficient and the result from step 4.
Repeat steps 4 and 5: Repeat steps 4 and 5 for each coefficient of the polynomial.
The final result is the quotient and remainder: The final result is the quotient and remainder.

The final result is:

x^2 + 2x + 3

The quotient is x^2 + 2x + 3 and the remainder is 0.

Conclusion

In conclusion, synthetic division is a method used to divide polynomials by linear factors. It involves setting up a table with the coefficients of the polynomial and the value of a, and then performing a series of calculations to find the quotient and remainder. The correct setup box for dividing the polynomial x cubed plus 4 x squared plus x minus 6 by x minus 2 using synthetic division is:

1	4	1	-6
-2

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is synthetic division? A: Synthetic division is a method used to divide polynomials by linear factors. It is a shortcut to the long division method and is often used in algebra and calculus.

Q: How do I set up the synthetic division box? A: To set up the synthetic division box, you need to write the coefficients of the polynomial in a row, with the constant term on the far right. You also need to write the value of a, which is the value that you are dividing by, on the left side of the box.

Q: What is the value of a in synthetic division? A: The value of a is the value that you are dividing by. In the example we used earlier, the value of a is -2.

Q: How do I perform synthetic division? A: To perform synthetic division, you need to follow these steps:

Write the coefficients of the polynomial in a row, with the constant term on the far right.
Write the value of a on the left side of the box.
Bring down the first coefficient.
Multiply the value of a by the first coefficient and write the result below the second coefficient.
Add the second coefficient and the result from step 4.
Repeat steps 4 and 5 for each coefficient of the polynomial.
The final result is the quotient and remainder.

Q: What is the quotient and remainder in synthetic division? A: The quotient is the result of dividing the polynomial by the linear factor, and the remainder is the amount left over after the division.

Q: Can I use synthetic division to divide any polynomial? A: Yes, you can use synthetic division to divide any polynomial by a linear factor. However, you need to make sure that the polynomial is written in the correct form, with the coefficients in a row and the constant term on the far right.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid in synthetic division? A: Some common mistakes to avoid in synthetic division include:

Writing the coefficients of the polynomial in the wrong order
Writing the value of a in the wrong place
Not bringing down the first coefficient
Not multiplying the value of a by the first coefficient
Not adding the second coefficient and the result from step 4

Q: How do I check my work in synthetic division? A: To check your work in synthetic division, you can use the following steps:

Multiply the value of a by the first coefficient and write the result below the second coefficient.
Add the second coefficient and the result from step 1.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 for each coefficient of the polynomial.
The final result should be the quotient and remainder.

Q: Can I use synthetic division to divide polynomials with complex coefficients? A: Yes, you can use synthetic division to divide polynomials with complex coefficients. However, you need to make sure that the polynomial is written in the correct form, with the coefficients in a row and the constant term on the far right.

Q: What are some real-world applications of synthetic division? A: Synthetic division has many real-world applications, including:

Dividing polynomials in algebra and calculus
Finding the roots of a polynomial
Solving systems of equations
Modeling real-world phenomena

Conclusion

In conclusion, synthetic division is a powerful tool for dividing polynomials by linear factors. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can use synthetic division to find the quotient and remainder of a polynomial. Remember to check your work and avoid common mistakes to ensure accurate results.